Counterweight Movable Relative To Load Support Patents (Class 212/196)
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Publication number: 20100116766Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a central crane unit, a boom unit and a counterweight unit. The central crane unit has a carbody, moveable ground engaging members and a rotating bed mounted to the ground engaging members with a rotatable connection such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members. The boom unit has a support member, at least one moveable ground engaging member, and a boom pivotally mounted on the support member. The counterweight unit has counterweight on a support member. Rigging connects the boom and counterweight unit such that a load lifted by the boom can be counterbalanced by the counterweight. The boom unit and counterweight unit are connected to the central crane unit by structural members that carry compressive loads and maintain the boom unit, the rotating bed and the counterweight unit in lateral alignment with each other, but allow relative vertical movement between the boom unit, the rotating bed and the counterweight unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 11, 2008Publication date: May 13, 2010Inventor: David J. Pech
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Publication number: 20100072156Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on the rotating bed; a load hoist line trained over a pulley on the boom and wound on a load hoist drum connected to the rotating bed; and a boom hoist drum mounted in a frame. The boom hoist drum frame is connected to the rotating bed and a boom hoist line is wound on the boom hoist drum and connected to an upper equalizer and a lower equalizer, with the upper equalizer connected to the top of the boom by fixed length pendants, such that rotation of the boom hoist drum changes the amount of boom hoist line between the lower equalizer and the upper equalizer, thereby changing the angle between the rotating bed and the boom.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2009Publication date: March 25, 2010Inventors: Trevor D. Mentink, Robert J. Walker
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Publication number: 20100000954Abstract: A pipe-laying machine includes a self-propelled tracked vehicle, on one side of which is fitted a crane designed for lifting and laying pipes. The machine is also fitted with a counterweight constituted by a plate made of a heavy material that moves between a rest position in which it retracts fully into the vehicle and an operational position in which it projects from the vehicle on the opposite side to the crane. In the machine according to the invention, engine unit and control cab are located at each end of chassis, projecting slightly from it, to leave a free space in the central part of the vehicle for the installation of all the mechanisms designed for the movement and control of the crane.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2007Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: LAURIN OFFICINE MECCANICHE S.R.L.Inventor: Marco Laurini
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Publication number: 20090272708Abstract: A large mobile crane includes a revolving superstructure, a main boom hinged to the superstructure, and a derrick boom hinged to the superstructure. A modular counterweight system includes a traveling counterweight and a non-traveling counterweight connected to a crossbeam suspended from the distal end of the derrick boom so that the non-traveling counterweight is activated before the traveling counterweight.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2006Publication date: November 5, 2009Applicant: Terex-Demag GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rüdiger Zollondz, Alfons Weckbecker, Fritz-Botho Köster
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Patent number: 7546928Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed; a mast mounted at its first end on the rotating bed; a backhitch connected between the mast and a rear portion of the rotating bed; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one hydraulic cylinder; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the hydraulic cylinder. The arm and hydraulic cylinder are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Manitowoc Crane Companies, Inc.Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky
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Publication number: 20090134106Abstract: A lifting device having a frame, a lifting member supported by the frame, and a hydraulic pump and motor supported to the frame. The hydraulic pump and motor are operatively connected to the lifting member to raise, lower, extend, and retract the lifting member.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventor: VERNON MARTIN
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Patent number: 7533779Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice mast crane having a traveling gear, a swiveling crown arranged on the traveling gear and a revolving deck which is rotatable via the swiveling crown and on which a main boom and a derrick boom are arranged and having a ballast box, with the revolving deck being mounted on the swiveling crown via a spacer tube and with the guide frame forming the track of the derrick ballast projecting outwardly beyond the ballast box.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2007Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Liebherr-Werk EhingenInventor: Hans-Dieter Willim
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Publication number: 20080264886Abstract: A telescopic crane for supporting a camera or the like comprising a telescopic support, with at least one arm (4) extending outward from one end (2), a counterweight means (6) extending from the other end (3) of the support which moves relative to the or each arm (4) to maintain balance of the crane, wherein the arm (4) and counterweight (6) are driven by a drive belt (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2005Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Peter Adamiec, Keith Edwards
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Publication number: 20080203045Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody; a rotating bed; a boom; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one linear actuation device; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the linear actuation device. The arm and linear actuation device are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the linear actuation device changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed. In one method of operation, the counterweight is never supported by the ground during crane pick, move and set operations other than indirectly by the ground engaging members on the carbody. The linear actuation device can include at least one rack and pinion assembly or hydraulic cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Poruboansky, Alan E. Pleuss, John M. Lanning
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Patent number: 7370767Abstract: The embodied mobile cranes have a travelling base structure that allows for travel of the crane over a surface. The cranes have a revolving superstructure mounted on the base structure and a boom and a backmast. The boom and backmast are each hinged about an associated pivot axis to horizontal the superstructure. The crane has a main load hoisting manner associated with the boom for hoisting a load. A superstructure ballast is supported on the superstructure. The cranes have a superlift ballast and associated connection manners to connect the superlift ballast to the backmast while the superlift ballast is resting on the surface and/or suspended from the backmast above the surface. The travelling base structure is provided with superlift ballast support to support the superlift ballast on the base structure so that the superlift ballast is movable along with the mobile crane while being supported by the base structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Itrec B.V.Inventors: Joop Roodenburg, Diederick Bernardus Wijning, Arie de Zwari
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Publication number: 20080099421Abstract: A mobile lift crane includes a carbody having moveable ground engaging members; a rotating bed rotatably connected to the carbody such that the rotating bed can swing with respect to the ground engaging members; a boom pivotally mounted on a front portion of the rotating bed; a mast mounted at its first end on the rotating bed; a backhitch connected between the mast and a rear portion of the rotating bed; a moveable counterweight unit; at least one hydraulic cylinder; and at least one arm pivotally connected at a first end to the rotating bed and at a second end to the hydraulic cylinder. The arm and hydraulic cylinder are connected between the rotating bed and the counterweight unit such that extension and retraction of the hydraulic cylinder changes the position of the counterweight unit compared to the rotating bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2007Publication date: May 1, 2008Inventors: David J. Pech, Kenneth J. Porubcansky
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Patent number: 7331476Abstract: A machine for lifting and handling loads with an orientable articulated placing jib, comprising a mast with a rotating pivot, an articulated jib (16) comprising a jib foot (19), articulated at its first end on the top of the mast by a horizontal rotation axis (27), a jib head member (18) articulated for rotation by a horizontal articulation axis (32) at the second end of the jib foot, a jib holding assembly comprising at least one stanchion (7), a jib holding line (11) and a moving counterweight (100) connected to the jib by the said holding line. The counterweight is made to follow a guiding track (1) with a variable slope (?), integral with the rotating pivot, supporting the said counterweight, arranged opposite to the jib, and where the variations in slope (?) are chosen so that the counterweight exerts a set of variable forces on the said jib and on the structure of the said machine, helping to balance the machine during movements of deployment/retraction of the jib in articulated working mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Inventor: Jean-Marc Yerly
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Patent number: 6871427Abstract: The construction machine according to the present invention comprises a lower running body, an upper turning body mounted free to turn on the lower running body, and a connecting bracket arranged between the rear end of a turning frame of the upper turning body and a rear device arranged on the rear end side, characterized in that the connecting bracket is provided with a connecting portion connected detachably to the rear end of the turning frame, and a mounting portion for detachably mounting the rear device such as a counterweight elevating device. Thereby, the construction machine can be applied to multi-purpose uses while using the frame construction in common.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeru Muta, Kazuyuki Miyazaki
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Patent number: 6860395Abstract: A fluid supply line 13 connects the hydraulic fluid supply pump 11 to the hydraulic balancing pipe 9, and this line 13 is fitted with a solenoid valve 15. Position detectors 17, 18 are installed on the auxiliary arm 4 and on the main arm 3 close to the articulation of the counterweight balancing beam 5. If the main arm 4 is detected to be in its pendular position before the counterweight balancing beam 5 is detected to be in its vertical position, the logic controller 16 controls activation of the solenoid valve 15 in order to add hydraulic fluid to the jack 8 in order to bring the balancing beam 5 in vertical position.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: S.M.S. Synergie Management SystemeInventor: Antoine Gallego
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Patent number: 6821081Abstract: A small loader machine of the skid-steered type having a counterweight to balance heavy loads in the loader bucket. The bucket is automatically extended forward as the counterweight is extended in the opposite direction so as to keep the machine always in reasonable balance.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Inventor: William C. Kurtz
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Patent number: 6644562Abstract: A dynamic counterweight mechanism for one-sided sprayers is vertically fastened to a chassis of a conventional sprayer with a fixed frame (3) so as to move up and down in relation to the frame (3). The mechanism includes a sliding frame (20) that laterally sustains a counterweight module (30). A swinging module (40) is pivotally assembled on the opposite side (23) of the sliding frame (20) and rotates around a bearing (24, 43) and in relation to the sliding frame (20). The upper end of the swinging module (40) is connected to the counterweight module (30) by a steel cable (33), which, in turn, has a counterweight block (32) that moves up and down, due to displacement of the swinging module (40). The steel cable (33) extends through a set of sheaves (50, 51, 52, 53) between the swinging module (40) and the sliding frame (20).Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Maquinas Agricolas Jacto S.A.Inventor: Airton Hiroto Tango
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Publication number: 20030183594Abstract: Crane for the assembly of wind turbines and assembly procedure therefor, the former consisting of a central structure (1) which may be mounted around the tower (2) of the wind turbine and provisionally locked onto it at any height, with an assembly formed by a jib (4) and a counter-jib (5) configuring a tilting rotary unit with respect to the structure (1) and including their respective winches (6 and 8), by means of which the whole of the crane may be hoisted to a higher position and the components comprising the wind turbine may be raised to the position of assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Manuel Torres Martinez
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Patent number: 6568547Abstract: A crane, especially a self-propelled crane, with a base structure and a revolving superstructure mounted thereon, a boom and a mast being hinged to the superstructure. The tip of the mast is connected on one side via adjustable-length guying to the head of the boom and on the other side via guying to a counterweight. The crane is not provided with a separate superstructure counterweight. The distance between the counterweight and the superstructure of the crane is continuously variable within a fixed range by a frame element, which can move in the vertical place, is mounted on the superstructure, and is connected thereto in a gravity-actuated (nonpositive) manner, The frame element is connected to an apparatus for directing the resulant of the force of the counterweight acting in the direction of gravity and the guying force produced by the suspended load into the superstructure.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2001Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Atecs Mannesmann AGInventors: Manfred Kretschmer, Alfons Weckbecker
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Patent number: 6561546Abstract: A pothole protection mechanism for a lift machine includes a frame that is securable to the lift machine, a pothole protection bar movably coupled with the frame via a support linkage, and an actuator coupled between the frame and the pothole protection bar. The actuator is sized for a force sufficient only to lift the pothole protection bar. The support linkage includes a coupling bar driven by the actuator that is connected between two pivot joints secured between the frame and the pothole protection bar. In the extended or deployed position, the pivot joints are pivoted to an over-center position and the coupling bar is abutted against a stop. As such, when a vehicle to which the pothole protection mechanism is attached falls into a pothole or off a curb or the like, the weight of the machine is supported by the pothole protection bar and support linkage and not by the actuator.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: JLG Industries, Inc.Inventors: Ignacy Puszkiewicz, Muhammad Sannah, Louis A. Bafile
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Patent number: 6516961Abstract: A ringlift crane having a ring which can be elevated, forms an annular track and has a plurality of segments which can be connected to one another, there being arranged within said ring an undercarriage which has an upper carriage, which is connected for slewing action to the undercarriage and has a plurality of hoisting winches. Two trusses which are spaced apart parallel to one another, are provided, in two mutually opposite end regions, with in each case one adapter and can be bolted to, and unbolted from, the upper carriage via crossmembers. The adapters are supported with rolling action on the annular track of the ring by rollers arranged in the end region of the adapters. For the purpose of setting different modes of operation of the crane, the trusses can be raised relative to the basic machine and connected in different ways to the crossmembers.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Atecs Mannesmann AGInventors: Alexander Knecht, Manfred Kretschmer, Michael Biermann, Ralf Frankenberger
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Patent number: 6508372Abstract: A method for using a revolver crane, comprising the positioning of a ballast on a platform ring in accordance with the repositioning of a load which is supported by a boom, is repositioned in relation to the platform ring as well, so as to cause a balance of moments. A revolver crane for performing this method comprises ballast hoisting elements for hoisting said ballast and repositioning it in relation to the platform ring.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: January 21, 2003Assignee: Mammoet Holding B.V.Inventors: Nicolaas Lamphen, Johannes Antonius Van Seumeren
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Patent number: 6499611Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile harbor crane for normal and heavy load operation, having an undercarriage and a superstructure mounted thereon. A tower is fastened on the superstructure and a jib which pivotable about a horizontal axis is arranged on a front side of the tower. During a normal mode of operation, the jib is held pivotably on the superstructure by a luffing cylinder coupled to the jib and to the tower and the load lifted and lowered via a hoisting cable guided to the jib head and having a snatch block suspended on it. For a heavy load operating load, the mobile harbor crane further includes a heavy load lifting winch with a heavy load lifting cable which is guided over a deflecting roller fastened to the jib and further guided to a roller assembly of a heavy load snatch block arranged releasably on the jib head.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Atecs Mannesmann AGInventors: Hermann Franzen, Joachim Kröll
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Patent number: 6494330Abstract: The rear extremity of the auxiliary arm 7, integral with each side of a throat pulley 10′, 10″ is joined to the front extremity of the main arm 3 around the spindle 6. The arms 13′, 13″ of the counterweight 14 are each integral with a throat pulley 28′, 28″ and are joined around the spindle 12 at the rear extremity of the main arm 3. A flexible cable 27′, 27″ is placed on each pair of pulleys 10′, 28′ and 10″, 28″ whilst being fixed at a point of each of the two pulleys. Control by a twin effect hydraulic thrustor 16 for the simultaneous movement of the cables 27′, 27″ towards the front ensures a tilting of the auxiliary arm 7 and simultaneous lifting of the counterweight 14 obtaining the automatic balancing of the jib. The invention ensures the automatic balancing of the jib of the crane whilst eliminating the presence of variable lever arms.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Societe Montgon Inventions SystemesInventors: Denis Montgon, Alexis Montgon
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Publication number: 20020070186Abstract: A mobile crane has a rotating deck supported at an undercarriage at which a main boom and a derrick counter-boom are supported. A ballast weight is arranged at the arm of the rotating deck projecting in the direction of the counter-boom. The ballast weight is suspended at the counter-boom and can be raised from the rotating deck via a hoist rope in order to allow a swivelling of the unloaded crane without the counter-ballast having to be carried by a carriage following the swivel movement. The counter-boom is provided with luffing devices by which it can be slanted such that the ballast weight can approach the luffing axis of the counter-boom by so much that the overall center of gravity of the superstructure with the boom, counter-boom and set-ups lies inside a circle which maintains a safety distance to the tilting edges of the stabilizer base of the crane.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Uwe Frommelt, Hans-Dieter Willim
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Patent number: 6341665Abstract: An aerial work platform apparatus includes a shiftable counterweight which shifts in response to movement of the boom in order to maintain optimum balance of the apparatus during movement of the boom and platform. The counterweight shifts towards and away from the front of the apparatus, and also in a vertical direction. Several constructions for shifting the counterweight are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Grove U.S. L.L.C.Inventors: Michael Z. Zhou, Robert D. Backer, Michael D. Griffin, Mark G. Neubauer
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Patent number: 6283315Abstract: The present invention is directed to a crane, preferably a derrick crane, having a traveling chassis (1), a revolving superstructure (2) mounted thereon in rotating fashion and connected with a ballast car (6) by a shaft (3) and on which a boom and a derrick, to which the ballast car (6) is connected, are mounted in luffing manner. The shaft (3) is in the form of a telescoping beam that can be telescoped to a length corresponding to the current load or that is longer than the same.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbHInventors: Hans-Dieter Willim, Uwe Frommelt
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Publication number: 20010009241Abstract: The pipe-laying vehicle 1 possesses a lower vehicle body 2 with a driver's cab and a jib 10 which is supported on the lower vehicle body 2 and can be raised and lowered about a horizontal axis of inclination 11. In addition, the jib 10 can be swivelled about a vertical pivot axis by means of a live ring. On the outer end of the jib 10, a sheave head 31 is provided with a deflection pulley 26 and a sheave 28, and can be swivelled as a whole about an adjustment axis 32 relative to the jib 10. This adjustment axis 28 extends in the longitudinal direction of the jib 10. By means of a mechanically or hydraulically actuated locking device, the pivot position of the sheave head 31 relative to the jib 10 can also be locked. As a result of the swivel capability both of the jib 10 and of the sheave head 31, the pipe laying work can be performed more simply and quickly.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: July 26, 2001Inventor: Alois Johann Haringer
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Patent number: 6109463Abstract: A lifting device which includes a frame and an elongated boom having a lower end pivotally connected to the frame along a pivot axis. The lower end of the boom has a counterweight connected thereto offset from the pivot axis. The counterweight has a center of gravity which is movable with respect to the pivot axis of the boom. The counterweight can be freely pivotal, fixed, or partially fixed with respect to the boom. When linkage is provided between the counterweight and the boom, the counterweight can be rolled or tilted so as to move the counterweight center of gravity with respect to the pivot axis of the boom.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Skyjack Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Cullity
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Patent number: 6102220Abstract: A crane jib includes a main boom arranged on a support base for rotation about a vertical pivot axis, and an auxiliary boom extending the main boom at one end and movable with respect to the main boom by means of a first adjustment element. In order to realize a high degree of energy-efficiency and a stable jib at great reach of the jib, a pair of counterweights is provided which are supported at the other one of the ends of the main boom at an angle relative to one another and respectively positioned on both sides of a plane which extends vertically through the longitudinal main boom axis. The counterweights so interconnected to one another as to be swingable in synchronism by a second adjustment. A control device connects the first and second adjustment elements for balancing the variation in reach of the auxiliary boom through a change in reach of the counterweights.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Mannesmann AGInventor: Klaus Becker
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Patent number: 6065620Abstract: A convertible crane with a movable sheave assembly which is operable in two distinct positions. In the first position, the sheave is adjacent the body of a crane to enable it to operate in relatively restricted space without interference from obstacles adjacent the rear end of the base. In the second position, the sheave extends away from the body of a crane where it may be attached to an auxiliary counterweight to enable a crane to lift larger loads. The movable sheave assembly enables a crane to be easily and rapidly converted between normal and enhanced lifting modes.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Trans World Crane, IncorporatedInventor: James McGhie
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Patent number: 5899347Abstract: A lifting device which includes a frame and an elongated boom having a lower end pivotally connected to the frame along a pivot axis. The lower end of the boom has a counterweight connected thereto offset from the pivot axis. The counterweight has a center of gravity which is movable with respect to the pivot axis of the boom. The counterweight can be freely pivotal, fixed, or partially fixed with respect to the boom. When linkage is provided between the counterweight and the boom, the counterweight can be rolled or tilted so as to move the counterweight center of gravity with respect to the pivot axis of the boom.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Skyjack Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Cullity
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Patent number: 5890737Abstract: A mechanism for preventing tipping of a lifting device having a main frame supported by a plurality of ground engaging support elements and a lifting element raisable and lowerable with respect to the main frame, the mechanism comprising a subframe mounted on the main frame and extending thereunder and intermediately disposed between all of the support members, and a parallel linkage mechanism for raising and lowering the subframe with respect to the ground in response to the lowering and raising of the lifting element respectively.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: April 6, 1999Assignee: Skyjack, IncInventor: Otto Hutka
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Patent number: 5884785Abstract: A lifting device which includes a frame and an elongated boom having a lower end pivotally connected to the frame along a pivot axis. The lower end of the boom has a counterweight connected thereto offset from the pivot axis. The counterweight has a center of gravity which is movable with respect to the pivot axis of the boom. The counterweight can be freely pivotal, fixed, or partially fixed with respect to the boom. When linkage is provided between the counterweight and the boom, the counterweight can be rolled or tilted so as to move the counterweight center of gravity with respect to the pivot axis of the boom.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1998Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Skyjack Equipment, Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Cullity
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Patent number: 5799806Abstract: A lifting device which includes a frame and an elongated boom having a lower end pivotally connected to the frame along a pivot axis. The lower end of the boom has a counterweight connected thereto offset from the pivot axis. The counterweight has a center of gravity which is movable with respect to the pivot axis of the boom. The counterweight can be freely pivotal, fixed, or partially fixed with respect to the boom. When linkage is provided between the counterweight and the boom, the counterweight can be rolled or tilted so as to move the counterweight center of gravity with respect to the pivot axis of the boom.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Skyjack Equipment Inc.Inventor: Richard E. Cullity
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Patent number: 5685563Abstract: A counterbalance system for a vehicle having an axis of forward movement, a frame, and front and rear wheels spaced by a wheelbase dimension. A counterweight elides axially along a rail mounted to the frame, A power link mounted to the counterweight and connected to a linkage that is pivoted both to the counterweight and to the frame moves the counterweight forwardly or rearwardly to stabilize the vehicle at various load and slope conditions where the vehicle would otherwise be less stable.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Inventor: Jack B. Ottestad
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Patent number: 5669517Abstract: A linkage mounted counterweight for offsetting a load at the free end of an articulated boom crane (20). The articulated boom crane (20) includes an articulated boom (23) that includes an elevate linkage (25) and a telescoping section (24) is disclosed. The elevate linkage (25) includes a lower section (42) and a mid section (44). The counterweight (60) is located on the lower section (42) near where the lower section (42) is hingedly attached to the base of the crane (20). As the articulated boom (23) is raised from a stowed position, the counterweight moves away from the tilting fulcrum (F) of the articulated boom crane (20) to assist in maintaining the stability of the crane.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1996Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Assignee: Genie Industries, Inc.Inventors: James A. Donaldson, Matthew S. Fearon
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Patent number: 5586667Abstract: A mobile crane has main and auxiliary counterweight assemblies and is arranged such that the spar or mast on which the auxiliary counterweight assembly is mounted is of a two-piece construction such that, upon the imposition of a load on the main boom of the crane which is sufficient to deflect the boom, the outer end or tip of the spar pivots to lift the auxiliary counterweight assembly from the ground, thereby opposing the bending forces imposed on the boom and allowing the platform to rotate about a vertical slewing axis without obstruction from the auxiliary counterweight assembly. The spar and thus the entire crane is compact, lightweight, easy to assemble and disassemble, and can operate in a relatively restricted space without interference from obstacles around its rear.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Inventor: Camile J. Landry
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Patent number: 5518128Abstract: A crane, particularly a railway crane, with a superstructure which is arranged on an undercarriage so as to be swivelable around a vertical axis, a jib and at least one counterweight which is movable as a function of the swiveling movement of the superstructure. The counterweight being arranged on the superstructure. The at least one counterweight is connected with the superstructure via an articulation which has a swivel axis aligned parallel to the vertical axis of the superstructure.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1995Date of Patent: May 21, 1996Assignee: Mannesmann AktiengesellschaftInventors: Joachim Kroll, Walter Kollner
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Patent number: 5395200Abstract: A gantry crane for storing (or removing) long cassettes containing rod-shaped material on (or from) racks for supporting such cassettes at both rack ends travels on rails raised above the bottom of an array of such racks, but only part way up to the tops of the racks which the crane bridges over with its traveling bridge. There are aisles between the parallel racks and each rack can be loaded on either of its sides. Load-lifting forks at each rack end can be lowered into an aisle from above and then, with a movement of the crane, inserted below a cassette on either side of the aisle to remove it, center it in the aisle, lift it above the racks and transport it to another aisle for lowering into a work place or storing it in a different place.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1993Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignee: Keuro Besitz GmbH & Co. EDV-Dienstleistungs KGInventor: Valentin Meier
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Patent number: 5348172Abstract: A mobile crane has a triangular wheel arrangement with a steerable front wheel and a frame for carrying an operator and a boom which is adjustable both as to vertical angle and azimuth. Shock absorbing stabilizing arm assemblies extend from either side of the frame, and an adjustable counterweight assembly is pivotally mounted at the rear of the frame, and can be adjusted to its optimum position, depending on the load, by the operator without his having to exert any lifting effort. The crane boom is likewise adjustable as to azimuth and elevation angle without the operator's having to move any heavy weight.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1993Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Inventor: Frederick F. K. Wilson
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Patent number: 5253771Abstract: The invention is a counter-balanced, multiple cable construction crane. The apparatus for hoisting payloads comprises a crane having a lifting segment and a counter-balanced segment. The lifting segment comprises an end effector and three cables. One end of each cable attaches to a different winding device located on the lifting segment, and the other end of each cable attaches to a different point on the end effector, such that the three cables have a theoretical point of convergence, this point corresponding with a center of mass of the payload. Three controls command rotation of the winding device to a predetermined position. Accordingly, the crane provides precise and autonomous positioning of the payload without human guidance. Two controls position the counter-balancing segment to offset the overturning moment which arises during the lifting of heavy payloads.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1991Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Martin M. Mikulas, Jr., Li-Farn Yang
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Patent number: 5222613Abstract: A pivotally-mounted reeved counterweight system for a counterbalance-type crane which includes a wheeled counterweight carriage supporting a counterweight. A yoke provides the coupling means pivotally connecting the carriage and the rearward end of the platform or deck also known as the counterweight arm. A sheave is mounted on the yoke. The rope, which manipulates the boom upwardly and downwardly, retractably and extensibly extends from a hoist drum on the platform upwardly and is reeved about a mast sheave and extends downwardly, rearwardly and upwardly between the yoke sheave and a plurality of platform sheaves and mast sheaves.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1991Date of Patent: June 29, 1993Inventor: James R. McGhie
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Patent number: 5203837Abstract: A crane has a generally horizontally disposed main boom arm centrally pivotally mounted on a turret supported for rotation atop a central column. The main boom arm supports a load at one end and a counterweight at its other end. The main boom arm load support end has a depending vertical arm, linked in parallelogram fashion with the turret, and with a lower rotatable load carrying swing arm movable through a full 360.degree. arc without interference with the column and turret. The column may be mounted on a dolly. A rack and worm pinion arrangement are provided on either the main boom or the counterweight for adjusting the distance of the counterweight from the column and turret, thus to balance the crane in a vertical plane.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1991Date of Patent: April 20, 1993Inventors: Bosko Madic, Vojislav Terzic
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Patent number: 5192180Abstract: An apparatus including a frame, a cantilever arm movably mounted on the frame, and a servomotor operatively connected to the frame and the cantilever arm for setting a height position of the cantilever arm. The servomotor is exposed to tension loads derived from forces acting on the cantilever arm. The apparatus further includes a device for relieving the servomotor of the tension loads for an arbitrary period. The device includes a tension member attached parallel to the servomotor for the arbitrary period. The device further has an intermediate member having a first pivot joint operatively articulated to the cantilever arm for introducing the tension loads into the intermediate member, a second pivot joint for being coupled to an end of the tension member and a third pivot joint for being releasably coupled to the servomotor. The first, second and third pivot joints are spaced from one another and form the three corners of an imaginary triangle.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1991Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Assignee: Krupp Industrietechnik Gesellschaft mit beschrankter HaftungInventor: Horst Kolleth
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Patent number: 5131802Abstract: The invention relates to cargo-handling vehicles and the like which comprise a handling device such as a bucket or a fork. A balancing device in equipped either at the front or the rear of the vehicle in such a way as to be rotatable on an axle which is horizontal and at right angles to the running direction of the vehicle, the balancing device comprising a balance weight coupled with a vehicle body by the axle, and an elastic body and a shock absorber provided between the balance weight and the vehicle body. Pitching phenomenon of a cargo-handling vehicle or the like can be automatically restrained in a responsive manner. It is possible to prevent the vehicle from overturning caused by an unexpected imbalance. The running stability can be improved and a comfortable ride accomplished.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1991Date of Patent: July 21, 1992Assignee: Toyo Umpanki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsuneo Sunami, Hiroo Namerikawa
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Patent number: 5088610Abstract: So as to avoid installing a heavy remote handling machine in a containment comprising a lifting unit, such as a travelling crane, the present invention proposes an autonomous remote handling machine (20) suitable for being suspended from the hook (b 16) of this crane. This machine (20) includes a support (22), a gripping arm (24) and a counterweight (26) being joined to said support around a normally horizontal axis (26). A device (44) detects any possible slanting of the support (22) with respect to vertical in order to control any modification of the orientation of the counterweight (26), independently of the orientation of the arm, so as to annul any detected slanting.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1990Date of Patent: February 18, 1992Assignee: SIT (Societe d'Innovations Techniques)Inventor: Andre Garnier
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Patent number: 5064079Abstract: A portable wheeled hoisting frame includes two winches. The hoist disassembles, and the parts fit into a backpack. When assembled the frame has an open rectangular base with corner wheels, two upright members, and a top bar between the upper ends of the two upright members extending across above the open base. The primary winch is mounted on the top bar. There are top bar extensions. The hoist can vertically lift objects under the frame, as when straddling a scuttle hole, with the primary winch. A secondary winch attached to the hoisting frame can exert a sideways or downward force for cantilever lifting. The force of the secondary winch will then balance the weight of the object held by the primary winch. The extension bars allow hoisting in numerous ways. An object may also be supported on the frame base for rolling on supporting surfaces. There are two fixed wheels and two swivel castors on the frame.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1990Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Inventor: C. Dewayne Bowerman
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Patent number: 5058911Abstract: A swivel tool tray is provided and consists of an arm adjustably retained within a sleeve that is vertically affixed to an upper outside corner of a wheeled cart. A horizontal extension member is swivably attached to the top of the arm so that it can swivel 360 degrees. A pan is removably attached at a right angle to a distal end of the extension member, whereby the pan can hold a variety of tools and other items therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1990Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Inventors: Rudolph Hunter, George Spector
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Patent number: 5035337Abstract: The disclosed mobile crane for lifting heavy loads has a base on which a platform is rotatable on a vertical axis, a boom connected to the platform to swing in a plane containing the vertical axis, and a load line trained over the top of the boom. A spar substantially shorter than the boom has a spar connection to the platform, behind the boom connection, for swinging in the same plane. A rod-like link has at its ends pivotal connections respectively to the platform and to the spar, both spaced from the spar connection and one of which is a pin-and-slot connection defining upper and lower limits of a range of swing of the spar through which it is inclined upward and rearward from the spar connection. A tension line is connected between the rear end of the spar and the upper end of the boom. Counterweights on the spar offset tilting forces due to the weight of the forwardly inclined boom itself and loads supported by it.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1990Date of Patent: July 30, 1991Assignee: Deep South Crane & Rigging Co.Inventor: Dieter C. Juergens
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Patent number: 5005714Abstract: A crane, particularly a large mobile crane, including an undercarriage (1); a revolving joint (3) on the undercarriage (1); and a superstructure on the revolving joint (3). The superstructure includes a central part (5) rotatably mounted on the revolving part (3), a boom connected to the central part (5), a swing part (6), and a horizontal swing bearing (9) pivotally mounting the swing part in upwardly swingable manner on the central part (5). The crane further includes at least one winch mounted on the swing part (6) and a retraction mechanism at the end of the swing part (6) opposite the swing bearing (9). The retraction mechanism includes a pulley head (16) and a bracing (25) for the boom.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 1989Date of Patent: April 9, 1991Inventors: Joachim Kroll, Walter Kollner